After taking time to carefully consider, YDAC has decided to honor its commitment to marching in the Pride Parade on Sunday. This decision was not made lightly and includes an agreement to participate in the Roots Pride event.

A few months ago, the board made a well-intentioned decision to partner with the Steel City Stonewall Democrats and march in the Pittsburgh Pride Parade for the first time in our organization’s history. We were proud to stand with Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ community and encourage diversity. Recently, the Pride Parade and its organizer, Delta Foundation, have faced valid concerns and criticism about their inclusiveness.

YDAC would like to thank members of the community who sparked a sorely-needed conversation on diversity and inclusiveness. The fact remains that transgender and LGBTQ persons of color experience discrimination and violence at disproportionate rates to the community at large. As Democrats, we stand against discrimination anywhere and must work to change these facts. We support a statewide nondiscrimination law that would benefit all members of the LGBTQ community.

At this time, YDAC would like to reaffirm its commitment to recruiting a membership more reflective of Pittsburgh’s vibrant and diverse community. With these goals in mind, we encourage all members of YDAC to join us at Pittsburgh Pride Parade and Roots Pride Riverwalk.

– The Young Democrats of Allegheny County Board

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Those interested in participating in the Pittsburgh Pride Parade should reach out to President Dj Ryan at president@ydac.org, while those interested in the Roots Pride Riverwalk with should reach out to Lissa Geiger Shulman at secretary@ydac.org.